Pupils in Bicester celebrated picking up their GCSE results as their headteachers hailed their performances despite a “range of challenges”.

Both headteachers of The Bicester School and The Cooper School expressed their delight at the GCSE results of their year groups who had core subjects disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Exams regulator Ofqual said this year’s GCSE results would be lower than last year and they would be similar to those pre-pandemic in 2019.

The Bicester School recorded an attainment 8 score of 41 with 67 per cent of English grades being 4 and above whilst 58 per cent of math grades being 4 and above.

Executive headteacher of The Bicester School, Tony Rushworth, said: “I am pleased that our year 11 has achieved a positive set of results, given the significant challenges students have faced over the last number of years with core subjects disrupted in the Covid years, and attendance issues across the country."

Matt G-L, a pupil at The Cooper School said he was "ecstatic" with his results after a "long and difficult few years".

He said: “I plan to continue my studies here and hopefully learn more about the subjects which interest me and allow me to continue on to university.

“A massive thank you to all the teachers I've had over the five years I've had at this school who have taught me the values of hard work and inspired me to continue my studies.”

Another Cooper School student, Noah G, who achieved 9s in all of his subjects except one, said: “I put so much effort into the exams and I am so pleased to see that all that hard work paid off. 

“I’m now very keen to start my A-levels and study Biology, Chemistry and Maths.

“I have to say a huge thank you to all the teachers that knew what I was capable of and pushed me to the very end.”

Rebecca M, who plans to stay on at The Cooper School said: “I’ve just opened my results and I'm very happy.

“The school have been very supportive and I’m very grateful for their encouragement.”

Dr. Rob Whannel, headteacher at The Cooper School said: “Despite the range of challenges placed upon them during their GCSE courses, they have risen to overcome these obstacles brilliantly and secured success, both in their academic attainment and crucially in their wider development as individuals.

“Students have worked hard with our dedicated staff who have also risen to every challenge put in front of them working with positivity, commitment, humour and determination to ensure every opportunity for success. 

“This cohort has needed to deal with significant changes to their courses in short spaces of time; these students have developed resilience, courage, determination, independence and dedication and these skills will serve them well in their futures."